Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg

Suneel Gupta and Sharon Salzberg discuss dharma, failure, identity, and success. They explore tuning into space, vulnerability, and Howard Thurman's wisdom. Suneel shares insights from his book 'Everyday Dharma' and emphasizes the cyclical nature of personal growth.

For episode 234, Sharon speaks with author and podcast host, Dan Harris.Dan is the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling memoir, 10% Happier, about a fidgety, skeptical news anchor who finds meditation. He’s also the host of the Ten Percent Happier podcast and the co-founder of the Ten Percent Happier meditation app. For 21 years, he worked at ABC News, where he anchored such shows as Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America.In this episode, Dan and Sharon discuss:The new edition of Ten Percent HappierWhat has changed in the meditation space in the last decadeThe line between cynicism to skepticism The climate of despair and nihilismWorking with the inner criticDan’s drug-fueled panic attack on-airBig life changes are not often a straight shotDan’s path finding meditationThe Jew-Bu movement towards AsiaThe connection of Dan’s father and Joseph Goldstein’s familyDan meeting Mark EpsteinThe first time Sharon saw BirkenstocksDan’s first meditation retreatHow lovingkindness has affected Dan“The Way of the Worrier” list from Ten Percent HappierDan’s son teaching lovingkindness meditationDan closes the conversation with a guided lovingkindness meditation. You can learn more about Dan’s work and get a copy of Ten Percent Happier, the newly reissued book on his website.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Jenny Taitz, a clinical psychologist and assistant clinical professor, discusses her new book 'Stress Resets' and the distinction between acute and chronic stress. They explore the effects of stress on the body, cultivating agency in dealing with stress, and the role of acceptance. Jenny also shares tools for creating an anti-depressant lifestyle and dives into the concept of emotions coming in waves. The podcast concludes with a guided mindfulness practice.

For episode 232, Cecilia B. Loving returns to the Metta Hour. Cecilia is an award-winning speaker, belonging and inclusion thought leader, consultant and author, who serves as the Senior Vice President Head of DEI for PBS.Her work in restorative justice, storytelling, inclusive leadership, racial inclusion, mindfulness, and well-being helps redefine the importance of self-care and self-empowerment to create a positive and holistic environment for everyone. This is Cecilia’s second appearance on the Metta Hour. Her first appearance was in 2022 with Episode 192, which you can hear right here.In this episode, Sharon and Cecilia discuss:Cecilia’s new book, Connecting Through CirclesThe concept of "connecting through circles"How circles differ from other conversationThe necessity of belongingThe science that backs social bondingThe Ministry of ForgivenessDesmond Tutu’s personal styleEmpathy as a path to transformationMoving beyond “Us” versus “them” mentalityCecilia’s approach to DEI at PBSThe ripple affect of DEI in the worldVicarious TraumaLovingkindness MeditationCecilia closes the conversation with a guided circle meditation. You can learn more about Cecilia’s work right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon Salzberg reflects on her spiritual journey, including her first trip to India and the transformative lessons she learned. She discusses the importance of self-kindness and reorienting ourselves when we veer off course. The episode also explores the influence of Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein in bringing mindfulness practices to the West.

For episode 230 of the Metta Hour, Sharon sits down with her longtime friend, teacher and author, Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D.Roshi is a Buddhist teacher, the founder and head teacher of the Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, NM, a social activist, author, and in her early years was an anthropologist. She is also a pioneer in the field of end-of-life care. Some of her books include: The Human Encounter with Death (with Stanislav Grof) and her most recent, Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet, and the 2023 card deck from Shambala Publications, In a Moment, In a Breath.In this episode, Sharon and Roshi discuss:The impetus for Roshi’s new card deckHow Roshi came to contemplative practiceThe impact of COVID on inner lifeDeconstructing being a beginnerHow the elements correlate to Roshi’s card deckGrounding into the bodyThe nuanced work of caregiversThe Brahma ViharasEquanimity as a form of inclusivenessUsing ideology to avoid feelingStrong back, soft frontNot cultivating a mind of povertyRadical InclusionWatering the good seedsRam Dass in his last yearsSpace and wisdomRoshi closes the conversation with a short guided meditation on Ocean Mind.To learn more about Roshi’s work, you can visit her website right here or the website for the Upaya Zen Center right here and get yourself a copy of her new card deck, In A Moment, In a Breath, right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 229 of the Metta Hour, Sharon sits down with teacher, author, and CEO whisperer Jerry Colonna for his second appearance on the podcast to talk about his new book, Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong.Jerry is the CEO and co-founder of the executive coaching firm Reboot.io. A highly sought-after coach and speaker, he is also the author of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up. For more than 20 years, he has used his experiences as a CEO, investor, journalist, college professor, and coach to help people lead with humanity, resilience, and equanimity. Please be aware this episode contains mention of sexual assault. In this episode, Sharon and Jerry discuss:Being a first responder to sufferingBeing content in the face of sufferingHow Jerry came to belonging as a book topicBelonging as being at home in one’s existenceBeing included, accepted, and celebratedHow to cultivate belonging as a skillA new definition of leadershipHow hungry ghosts affect leaders and communitiesFree speech versus right speechJerry’s family historyHow untold stories affect usWhat propels reunionJerry closes the conversation with a reading of Poem 41 by bell hooks. To learn more about Jerry’s work, you can visit his website and get yourself a copy of his new book, Reunion, right here.----In a world that often feels like it's teetering on the edge, it's not surprising that so many of us grapple with feelings of instability and overwhelm. On Tuesday, December 19th, join acclaimed Buddhist meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Ethan Nichtern for a free online conversation on staying grounded, available, and engaged, even when the world is on fire.Sharon and Ethan will also discuss the upcoming Dharma Moon Yearlong Buddhist Studies program and offer their insights on how studying Buddhism can help us show up more fully for ourselves and others during these challenging times.Visit dharmamoon.com/event for more info and to reserve your free spot!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 228 of the Metta Hour, we are continuing our Mental Health Series. In this series, Sharon sits down with different teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health by applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice.For this sixth episode of the series, Sharon speaks with Dr. Richie J. Davidson, PhD. Richie is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds. He is best known for his groundbreaking work studying emotion and the brain. A friend and confidante of the Dalai Lama, he is a highly sought after expert and speaker, leading conversations on well-being on international stages such as the World Economic Forum, where he serves on the Global Council on Mental Health.In this episode, Sharon and Richie discuss:How Richie came to this pathMeeting Daniel Goleman and Ram DassHow Danny Goleman brought Sharon to her first retreatThe term “Mental Health”Innate GoodnessBelieving in Growth MindsetA vision of possibility for ourselvesThe role of systemic oppression in mental well-beingIntergenerational ResilienceRichie’s four pillars of well-beingPersonal mental hygiene“The road to Lhasa goes up and down” – Mingyur RinpocheThe value of community and teachers in mental health Richie driving Mingyur RinpocheContemplative NeuroscienceThe Science of Flourishing CourseRichie’s new book projectThe conversation closes with a guided meditation led by Richie. To learn more about Riche’s work or his different books, you can visit his website and check out the Center for Healthy Minds.Join Richie’s upcoming course The Science of Flourishing: Well-Being Skills for Daily Life. Save 20% off the course using coupon code METTA20.Mental Health ResourcesNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 988 or (800) 273-8255Psychology Today Find a Mindfulness-Trained TherapistActive Peace Yoga with Reggie HubbardThe Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry KaufmanMark Epstein Psychiatrist & Author with a Buddhist LensNalanda Institute Contemplative Psychotherapy ProgramExpress Yourself Black Man Healing Community for Black MenBlack Boys Om Black Boys & Men Healing & Wellness EducationCloud Sangha Community For Meditation & WellnessThe Trevor Project Support for LGBTQ Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Mental Wellness for Black Women and GirlsThe Friendship Bench Creating Safe Spaces & CommunityHope for Bereaved Grief Support GroupsOption B Grief, Trauma and Loss SupportSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon Salzberg continues the Mental Health Series and speaks with Joe Loizzo, a psychiatrist and meditation scholar-teacher. They discuss the Middle East conflict, the evolution of mental health, the role of service in mental health care plans, stigma around treatment, Eastern vs Western approach to psychology, and working with trauma through embodied approaches and contemplative traditions.

Former ABC News anchor Dan Harris interviews Sharon Salzberg about her new book 'Finding Your Way'. They discuss the concept of living an authentic life, the power of paying attention, the process of mourning, and the balance between structured and unstructured meditation practices.